Nigeria – Sokoto government questions Sultan’s powers to appoint:

Sokoto State is challenging the Sultan’s appointment authority, citing a constitutional conflict. Justice Commissioner Binji says only the governor can make the appointment under Nigerian law.

The Sokoto state government is challenging the sultan’s authority to make appointments, citing constitutional inconsistencies. The Justice Commissioner says the governor has sole executive authority over appointments. The move could redefine the roles of traditional rulers in modern Nigerian government, amid tensions between the state and the sultanate.

A constitutional debate has raged in Sokoto State over the Sultan’s authority to appoint officials. The Commissioner for Justice, Advocate Nasiru Binji, told a public hearing that the Sultan has no constitutional backing for such appointments.

Citing the Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Act of 2008, which is contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, Binji stressed that only the governor has executive powers.

The proposed extension of the term of office of local government chairmen to three years is intended to increase the effectiveness of their activities.